Hemochromatosis Treatment

At first glance, hemochromatosis treatment is simple and straightforward... yet it is also seemingly limited.

There are many treatments for Hemochromatosis out there that you may not know about yet... we're here to help you find answers and restore health

Therapeutic phlebotomy, or blood donation, reduces iron overload in the blood stream and (hopefully) in the tissues.

Iron chelating medicines may also be prescribed by a physician if phlebotomy is not tolerated for any reason.

Conventionally, that's about it. Frustrating, huh?

I absolutely agree that therapeutic phlebotomy is the cornerstone, front line, most important therapy in the treatment of hemochromatosis. By reducing excess iron, phlebotomy can reduce symptoms, halt or hopefully reverse the progress of the disease, and save lives.

However, in the real world, we're talking about our welfare and our lives... we need to do more for hemochromatosis treatment!

I am fortunate to hear the stories of people's health. I am fortunate to be able to read the research, understand health, and find solutions. I am really fortunate that I found my hemochromatosis at an early age.

But it is an unfortunate situation that so many people afflicted with this disease are simply being told to donate blood without any other support. Individuals still have health problems. They still have questions. They need more support.

Holistically, we've got so many more solutions to complement your care and improve your overall health...

Therapeutic Phlebotomy for the Treatment of Hemochromatosis

Phlebotomy for iron overload is just like blood donation, however it is often done more frequently. Depending on the values of your lab tests, your hemochromatosis genotype, and the progression of your condition or symptoms, you may be donating blood weekly until your numbers improve.

For individuals with the greatest amount of iron, this is their reality for quite some time. And it's hard. Really hard.

The goal of therapeutic phlebotomy is actually to induce a mild anemia in the attempt to clear stored iron from the tissues and organs.

Ferritin level and transferrin saturation blood tests are often monitored to dictate how long these more frequent phlebotomies occur. Once an individual hits their target goal, they switch to maintenance levels of phlebotomy. For many who reach this point, there is much to celebrate!

Follow the link below for much more fantastic information regarding therapeutic phlebotomy:

However, I've heard from many people who have not been able to tolerate phlebotomy. Small stature, veins that are "weak" or "slip", dizziness or fainting... these are all common reasons that keep individuals with hemochromatosis from being able to receive phlebotomy. What then?

Medicines for the Treatment of Hemochromatosis

Currently, the available medicines that work to decrease excess iron include:

Deferoxamine (Desferal)

Exjade (Deferasirox)

Ferriprox (Deferiprone)

It is always important to follow your doctor's advice. These medications may save your life, especially if you are unable to tolerate therapeutic phlebotomy.

That being said, I have received quite a number of comments from individuals detailing their difficulties with the medicines involved in hemochromatosis treatment. Sometimes the side effects are bad enough that these questions are asked:

What else can I do?

Are there other options?

Natural Treatments for Hemochromatosis

Natural treatments for Hemochromatosis can make for an excellent addition to your care

A complement to, and not a replacement or alternative of, your medical care.

Educational and Informative

A resource to find answers and restore health.

If you have hemochromatosis, be sure to check with your doctor prior to starting any supplement, diet, or exercise routine. With that being said, there are many solutions, big and small, that may help you to feel better and improve your health.

Follow these links in our site to really dive into the wonderful, complementary, and natural treatments for hemochromatosis:

Dr. Eric Lewis is a naturopathic physician who also has hereditary hemochromatosis. With his unique perspective of being both a practitioner and a patient, he brings new insight into holistic approaches to iron overload, providing new understanding about the best diet and supplementation strategies to help support health with hemochromatosis.

Join the Hemochromatosis Help Newsletter

In addition, you will receive regular articles on: The problems of having high iron * How to think about diet, nutrition, and food * Holistic & natural solutions * Supplements to help improve you health * And more!